What is a Sodium methoxide (NaOCH₃)?

Sodium methoxide (NaOCH₃) is a strong base that is formed by the reaction of sodium with methanol (methyl alcohol). It typically exists as a white or grayish-white solid at room temperature and is highly soluble in methanol. It reacts with water to produce sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and methanol, making it highly reactive and sensitive to moisture.

Sodium methoxide is widely used in organic chemistry, particularly in esterification reactions, methyl esterification of fatty acids, dehydration reactions of alcohols, and proton abstraction reactions (removal of acidic hydrogen atoms). It also plays a crucial role in the production of biodiesel (methyl esters) and other chemical processes that require the transformation of organic compounds.

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